World Central Kitchen Workers Injured In Kharkiv Missile Strike

BETHESDA, MD — Four workers on Bethesda chef José Andrés' World Central Kitchen team were injured when a missile strike hit the area where they were working in a kitchen in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

"This is the reality for so many right now in Kharkiv," said Nate Mook, chief executive of the charity World Central Kitchen, said in a video posted to Twitter on Saturday. "Coming to work, cooking for people who are hungry is an immense act of bravery."

Mook stood on the road outside the kitchen, pointing out a fire still burning in one of the buildings and fragments of cars that were destroyed.

"This was a big hit," he said.

Mook says the area of Kharkiv they are in, where the missile struck, is mostly offices and homes.

He said no one inside the restaurant was killed, but several staff members were injured and taken to the hospital. One of the staff members has already been released from the hospital, The Washington Post reported.

"I want to introduce you to 3 brave staff from @WCKitchen restaurant Yaposhka!" Mook said Sunday on Twitter. "Yulia, Liza, and Yulia are in good spirits & recovering in the hospital after the missile attack. Yulia—next to me—said she’s excited to come back to help feed 1000s once her burns heal."

World Central Kitchen is a relief organization that provides meals to victims of disasters. Staff members have been stationed in Ukraine, providing meals to residents. Mook said the missile damage isn't stopping them — they're moving their restaurant elsewhere.

"The work doesn’t stop! Today, the restaurant team is moving all food products & non-damaged equipment to another kitchen location in Kharkiv," said Mook on Twitter. "The injured staff are doing well—and all the team here wants to continue cooking. Truly in awe at the bravery of our @WCKitchen partners!"

Andrés, who runs World Central Kitchen, lives in Bethesda and owns Spanish Diner in Bethesda.